15-day expedition cruise from Amsterdam to the North Cape, exploring Norway’s coastal communities and majestic fjords

• Encounter the glaciers, fjords and wildlife of the Norwegian coast in winter.

• Visit tiny fishing villages and vibrant cities and see some of Norway’s most jaw-dropping scenery, including the northernmost point of Europe, the North Cape.

• Explore under the Auroral Zone of the Arctic, searching for the Northern Lights, which are at their most active during October and March.

 

Day	Ports
1	Amsterdam
2	At Sea
3	Stavanger
4	Kalvåg
5	At Sea
6	Svolvær
7	Tromsø
8	Honningsvåg
9	Torsken
10	At Sea
11	Expedition day
12	Fjærland
13	Bergen
14	At Sea
15	Amsterdam

 

Day 1: Depart from Amsterdam

Embarking on an adventure

Your winter expedition cruise begins in Amsterdam. Before boarding MS Maud, take some time to stroll along Amsterdam’s famous canals, across old bridges, and between the rivers Amstel and Ij. Admire the charming townhouses that line the canals of the Grachtengordel, now protected by UNESCO.

Once you board the ship, pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, and locate your cabin. Feel free to explore the ship before attending a mandatory safety drill. After leaving port, the captain will welcome you aboard and your adventure will truly begin.

Before heading for the North Sea, we’ll have a short stop in Den Helder, a strategically located and historic town where Napoleon constructed the Willemsoord naval dockyards.

Day 2: At Sea

Easing into the journey

This day at sea will give you plenty of time to find your sea legs and enjoy the onboard facilities, such as our hot tubs, sauna, and gym. You’ll also dine on delicious seasonal produce in our restaurants.

The Expedition Team will begin their series of lectures over in the Science Center. Each member of the Expedition Team is an expert in their field. They’ll share fascinating insights about the places, history, and nature you may encounter on your adventure along the Norwegian coast.

Learn about our Citizen Science projects, where you can contribute to important scientific research. Or pick up pointers from our expedition photographers on improving your wildlife and landscape pictures.

Day 3: Stavanger

Today, we’ll explore the picturesque city of Stavanger, Norway’s fourth-largest city.

With an international atmosphere and a lively cultural scene, Stavanger is a cosmopolitan city set in stunning surroundings. You can discover the architectural relics of Old Stavanger, including a magnificent 12th-century cathedral. You can also visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, pop into a local boutique, or simply enjoy a beer on the waterfront.

Looking towards the harbor, you will find the statue of the renowned author and former mayor Alexander Kielland. A pedestrian street leads you to Valberg Tower, situated on a small hill and overlooking the central part of the city and harbor.

Day 4: Kalvång

A town withstanding the elements
Visit one of Norway’s best-preserved fishing villages

After breakfast, we’ll dock at the little fishing village of Kalvåg, situated far up the coastline with the open North Sea to the west. Its name literally means ‘Frozen Bay’ in Old Norse.

If conditions allow, we’ll come ashore to discover one of the best-kept secrets of the Norwegian coast. Admire and walk around Kalvåg’s collection of old waterfront buildings, ranging from restored wooden wharfs to warehouses for salting herring.

Cozy-looking houses are clustered around the bay, with the reflections of their lights shimmering off the water like candles. The wonderful winter atmosphere is even more captivating if the village is coated with a blanket of snow.

Day 5: At Sea

Approaching the Arctic Circle

On this day at sea, spend time in the ship’s lounge, soak in a hot tub, or step out on deck. Whatever you do, don’t take your eyes off the scenery as we sail through Helgeland County, with its pointed mountains and numerous islands.

Count the peaks of the Seven Sisters mountain range, long fabled to be the petrified bodies of seven troll sisters caught out at sunrise. And spot Torghatten mountain with its distinct hole through the middle. Local legend has it that the mountain was a troll king’s hat, which turned to stone when it was pierced by an arrow.

The Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures, covering everything from local folklore and wildlife to the history of navigation along the coast.

Day 6: Svolvær

Idyllic island life
Visit one of the world’s most spectacular destinations.

Svolvær is the largest town in Lofoten, with about 4,800 residents, many of whom still work in the fishing industry. There are shops and art galleries to browse along the seafront promenade and rows of rorbuer to admire.

You’ll likely spot the wooden racks called hjell dotting the shores of the town. These racks are used to dry locally caught cod, which then becomes tørrfisk (stockfish in English), which is prized as a local delicacy. Fishing is clearly an important way of life in Lofoten. The lecture for the day may focus on how cod helped build Norway into a country.

Day 7: Tromsø

Encounter fascinating history and culture at the gateway to the Arctic.

It’s time to explore Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic. We reach the city of Tromsø before noon and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring its captivating history, culture, and bold architecture.

Historically, Tromsø was a frontier town visited mostly by hunters and explorers. It also served as a launching point for several Arctic expeditions. Compared to the barren tundra they experienced, Tromsø seemed like Paris because of the fashion and food they found there. Hence the nickname, ‘Paris of the North.’

The modern Arctic Cathedral is one of the most striking landmarks in Tromsø, especially when lit up at night. It features an attractive and massive stained-glass window that is worth seeing up close.

Day 8: Honningsvåg

Experience the spectacular North Cape and the best seafood in Europe

In the morning we’ll arrive at Honningsvåg and visit one of the northernmost points in Europe: North Cape. At 71°10’21″N, it’s just 1,300 miles away from the Geographic North Pole, with only the Svalbard Archipelago in between.

Stand at the cliff’s edge and gaze across the sparkling sea. Take the obligatory selfie at the Globe Monument before visiting North Cape Hall for several exhibits and a short film that chronicles the history of the cape.

Back in Honningsvåg, stroll along the pretty harbor and check out the charming shops, houses, and church. The local restaurants offer fresh fish and seafood, with king crabs available all year round. This is the ship’s turning point and from here we start our return trip southbound.

Day 9: Torsken

Spend a day exploring ‘Norway in miniature’

Today we dock at Senja, one of the most ruggedly beautiful and rarely visited islands in Norway.

Sometimes referred to as ‘Norway in miniature,’ the island boasts diverse landscapes and weather that seem to change in the blink of an eye. The wild Atlantic side boasts towering, rocky mountains that plunge into the sea, while the tranquil southern side is home to lush, green farmland.

While you’re here, explore the striking landscape on a guided hike or kayak around the crystal-clear waters that reflect the mountains like glass. Top off your visit with a tasting experience and sample delicious local produce.

Day 10: At Sea

Remember to take time to reconnect with nature and the world around you. An important part of an expedition cruise is living in the moment. So, during a day at sea, relax on a sofa in the panoramic Explorer Lounge & Bar and reflect on your experience so far. Soak in a hot tub on deck or simply sit back and take in the serenity of the Norwegian coast.

There’s more to learn during lectures from the Expedition Team, and you can dabble in science in the onboard Science Center. You can also participate in Citizen Science projects and contribute to important global research.

Day 11: Expedition day

Adventure among Norway’s little-known islands

There is no set plan for today, so expect the unexpected! In true expedition style, we’ll spend our time off the beaten track, making the most of the conditions. Your Expedition Team will draw on their in-depth knowledge of the area to bring you to the most exhilarating activities in beautiful locations.

There are many islands and fjords to discover in this region, and we’ll sail in for a closer look at some of them. Our small boats (RIBs) will take us ashore, where we’ll be on the lookout for the local wildlife in these stunning surroundings.

Day 12: Fjærland

Learn all about glaciers and how they shaped the Norwegian landscape.

In the morning, we plan to cruise deep into Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, to the tiny hamlet of Fjærland. Only 300 people live in this idyllic village, which includes charming old buildings and picturesque second-hand book shops. This is also the place where Sognefjord meets Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on the European continent.

A visit to the Norwegian Glacier Museum is the included activity of the day. Learn why glacier ice is blue and how the fjords were formed. You can even perform a few experiments with 1,000-year-old glacier ice and watch a panoramic film about Europe’s largest glacier.

Day 13: Bergen

Experience stunning mountain views and explore the charming city of Bergen.

Bergen, one of Norway’s most beautiful cities, was Norway’s capital for many years. Your included activity is an excursion to Mount Fløyen. From the ship, we’ll hop on buses and drive to the Fløibanen funicular train. The summit is over 1,000 feet high, and you can bask in stunning views of city and its surroundings: seven mountains and the sea.

Back in Bergen, explore the cobblestone streets and alleyways of this thriving, compact city. Don’t miss the historic Bryggen district, with colorful wooden houses along the wharf. This area dates back to the 14th century and now houses boutique stores selling Norwegian arts and handicrafts.

Day 14: At Sea

Take the time to relax with friends and look back on your adventures.

On the return journey, spend time chatting with new friends and look back on the best moments of your expedition together. Enjoy drinks at the Explorer Lounge & Bar over friendly banter and share stories of past adventures. You might even spot a few members of the crew and Expedition Team here, too.

Make the most of your day at sea aboard MS Maud. Soak in the hot tub, work out in the gym, or relax in the Explorer Lounge, or edit photos from your trip. Don’t miss the Expedition Team as they review the highlights of your memorable expedition cruise along the beautiful Norwegian coast.

Day 15: Amsterdam

A creative, cosmopolitan city known for the arts

Your winter expedition cruise to Norway comes to an end back in Amsterdam. After a final breakfast, bid a fond farewell to the ship, the crew, and the new-found friends you’ve made aboard. You will take ashore special memories of Norway in winter, including spectacular scenery, majestic fjords, fascinating towns, and welcoming people.

As you saw at the start of this cruise, Amsterdam is a wonderful city for a walking tour. Stroll along its cobblestone streets and admire the canals and architecture. Enjoy a canal trip, visit the Anne Frank House, or relax in quirky cafés.

Whatever’s next for you, we wish you a safe onward journey and look forward to seeing you on your next adventure!

Hurtigruten Group is the leader in the travel industry towards a greener future.
Committed to taking care of our guests, wildlife, nature, and the communities we visit, we’re setting a new standard of sustainability for the travel industry.
Exploring our blue planet for more than a century has taught us the importance of being green.

We are now supporting 41 environmental, cultural and social projects in 11 different countries. These range from helping endangered orcas in the Pacific Northwest and protecting Galápagos seabirds, to securing safe spaces for vulnerable Greenlandic children and enabling community storytelling for the Itquamavit elders in Canada’s frozen north. We hope that the ripples we create today will one day turn into the waves of the future. With the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as our compass, our cruises to the planet’s most stunning corners are where explorers can truly feel at home. After all, it’s not about us, it’s about all of us.

Saying Goodbye to Plastic

We announced our war on plastics in 2018 when we were the first expedition company to ban non-essential single-use plastic throughout our entire operation. That means you won’t find items like plastic cups, plastic straws or plastic cutlery on board our ships. You also won’t see our shops selling microplastic-made fleeces but stocking natural wool clothing instead. Absent too are plastic water bottles. We provide all our guests on an expedition cruise with a complimentary high-quality reusable bottle for use at water refill stations dotted around the ship. This simple act saves at least 1,000 plastic bottles a day on some of our larger ships.

 

Inspiring Environmental Ambassadors

Witnessing the beauty of our planet is sure to leave a lasting impression on you, and you’ll talk enthusiastically about these stunning destinations with friends and family for decades to come. To make sure you can speak informatively when you return home, every one of our expedition cruises has a focus on the environment.

The Expedition Team give lectures that raise awareness of climate change, ocean plastic, and the measures we can all take to help ease these issues. It is our hope that engaging with nature on our expedition cruises will inspire you to do all you can to cherish and protect the precious world we all share.

 

Connecting With Communities

We are dedicated to supporting the local communities we visit, and to creating beneficial ripple effects that continue long after we’ve left. By trading locally and sourcing services such as food produce and excursions from local suppliers, we contribute to the livelihood and welfare of people.

We strive not only to connect with these communities, but to share genuine friendship with them while always respecting their values and customs. As guests in their home, our emphasis is on appreciating their unique culture and ensuring our interactions are positive and upbuilding for all. You can therefore enjoy authentic experiences knowing your visit is doing good, both for you and for them.

 

A Footprint We’re Proud Of

You’ll likely encounter a range of wildlife during your expedition, doing so from a safe distance. We’ll be sure to never get too close to them, out of respect for their welfare as much as yours. By not disturbing wildlife with our presence, you’ll be able to observe their natural behavior, in their natural habitat. We want to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures! In fact, in many of the areas we visit in Antarctica, we even specifically wipe out our footprints so as to prevent penguins tripping and falling into them.

 

Working Together As One

Sustainability isn’t something we can do alone. Everyone in our industry needs to work together for a greener future. We are therefore founding members of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). These trade member organisations work to establish sustainable tourism in polar regions, fighting mass tourism by limiting ships and shore visits, and creating guidelines that protect fragile environments and rare wildlife.

We’ve also committed ourselves to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. These guiding principles will take us steps ahead of current regulations to offer you greener and more sustainable expedition cruises on and for the planet.

 

Serving Planet-Friendly Plant-Based Food

We offer full menus of delicious plant-based dishes that will impress even those yet to be convinced by this way of eating. These meals not only have low or even zero CO2 footprints, they also promote healthier living and prove conclusively that vegan and vegetarian cuisine can still taste great. We’ve also put in place food management waste programmes on all our ships, aiming to reduce food waste by at least 30%.

 

Investing in Green Tech

Building our two new hybrid-powered expedition ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, represents the biggest investment in our almost 130 years of history. They are packed with ground-breaking green technology, such as battery packs, heat recovery systems, and a cutting-edge hull design. These innovations combined reduce carbon emissions by more than 20 %, compared to other cruise ships of the same size.

Hurtigruten stopped using heavy fuel oil more than a decade ago and campaign for its worldwide ban. To set a new standard, we are also considering a range of new, green fuel options, including biofuels made from organic waste.